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Meet TASPA’s New Program Director
by taspa
MARY TORRES
TASPA PROGRAM DIRECTOR
Maria “Mary” Torres was born in San Marcos, TX, and is a proud product of the San
Marcos CISD (SMCISD) school system. As a high school student, Mary’s first job was working in the SMCISD Human Resources Department where she worked as a receptionist. Mary went on to graduate from Texas State University with a Bachelor of Science in Education and a Master of Training and Development from Texas A&M
Commerce.
Mary spent many years as a classroom teacher in multiple elementary grades. She then went on to work in the SMCISD Human Resources Department as the Human Resources Training Specialist. As the HR Training Specialist, she coordinated the New Teacher Mentor Program, facilitated New Employee orientation for all new employees, coordinated and facilitated training for substitute teachers, and joined the department in recruiting and hiring. Mary enjoyed working in HR and found that working in the department where new employees were first welcomed to the school community gave her an opportunity to begin building relationships with their employees.
Additionally, Mary has worked in the private school system as a Director of Curriculum and, the Director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. These roles have given Mary experience in developing new programs, coordinating and facilitating professional development, and creating a culture of engagement and learning in her school.
ADVICE AND CHALLENGES IN HR:
Mary Torres stated, “I believe that everyone working in a school system or for an organization that supports school systems, must always make decisions based on what is right for the students. I have worked in several capacities in education, as a teacher and as a school leader. I go into every position with the mindset; how are my decisions going to positively impact student learning and success? At TASPA, I look forward to carrying this same mindset in my new role. As an organization that supports school systems, how can we positively impact students’ success at their schools. I look forward to using my expertise to create informative and innovative professional learning experiences for Human Resource leaders that will ultimately support excellence in education for Texas school students.”
During her free time, Mary enjoys spending time with family and friends, reading the latest Kristin Hannah novel, shopping at Central Market and listening to podcasts. She looks forward to meeting our members at the upcoming TASPA events.
